Waynesboro’s premier live entertainment performance venue in which all of the arts may be appreciated, enjoyed, learned and supported.
Welcome to the historic Wayne Theatre/Ross Performing Arts Center. As you see, we have so much to celebrate. The Wayne Theatre has had quite a history of making an impact on our community since it first opened its doors as a vaudeville house in 1926.
The Wayne’s restoration and re-opening in 2016 was fueled by a handful of community members who had the vision of what the Wayne could mean to the community. We like to say that the restoration of the theatre was done by the community, for the community and ultimately is being given back to the community. The dream was that when the restoration was complete, the theatre would be a gift to the community where all ages could come together to be educated, enriched, enlightened and enchanted.
Thus far, we have had patrons from 33 states and numerous countries. We are the first theatre experience for many students, and to date, more than 14,000 students have come through our doors for an Arts Education program. Our Arts Education program offers performances for Pre-K through adults and encourages our community to be life-long learners.
Tracy Straight, Executive Director
Liz Moss, Finance Manager/Curator
Hank Fitzgerald, Director of Original Programming
Kathy Deacon, Director of Advancement
Kim Reiter, House Manager
Chris Wray, Production Assistant
Sean Donnelly, Administrative Assistant
Gary Kirby, Director of Production
Scott Linton, Sound Engineer
James Cunningham, Lighting Designer
Jordan Para, Event Assistant
Lesley Larsen, Contributing Director of Original Programming
Sarah Cramer, Contributing Director of Original Programming
The Wayne Theatre Alliance promotes the artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities and the economic vitality of Waynesboro and adjacent region through the operation and preservation of the Ross Performing Arts Center at the historic Wayne Theatre as a performing arts/conference facility.
The Wayne opened on January 18, 1926, with plans to be a vaudeville/movie house. It advertised itself as the “finest theatre in the Shenandoah Valley.” It had an orchestra pit with organ, and a small “Wayne Orchestra” entertained the audience before the program.
